Safety of the elderly in health services

Abstract

Aging is defined by the Pan American Health Organization as a sequential, individual, accumulative, irreversible, universal and non-pathological process, specific to all individuals of a species. With advancing age, there is a higher occurrence of chronic non-communicable diseases, therefore, elderly people become dependent on care. Thus, health systems are faced with several challenges to consolidate effective, safe, equitable and comprehensive care. The objective of this narrative review was to analyze and review the main available articles on the safety of older adults in health services. It is possible to establish health services with safe and effective management practices, compatible with the needs of the elderly, since it is a right of the individual and an ethical commitment of the professionals involved in care.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.001-030